Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies at 85
Statement of EDF General Counsel Vickie Patton
“During his almost two decades on the Supreme Court, Justice Souter played a pivotal role in several historic decisions that have helped protect human health and the environment. Among them were two decided on the same day – April 2, 2007. Justice Souter voted with the majority in Massachusetts v. EPA, which affirmed EPA’s authority and duty to regulate climate pollution, and he wrote the unanimous opinion in Environmental Defense v. Duke Energy Corporation, which has helped reduce air pollution from power plants. Those cases, and many others, showed Justice Souter’s commitment to the rule of law and his dedication to protecting all Americans and the world we live in.”
- Vickie Patton, General Counsel, Environmental Defense Fund
With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
Latest press releases
-
EDF Congratulates Stephen Miller on his appointment to the Arizona Water Infrastructure Finance Authority Board
April 20, 2026 -
News Reports about Supreme Court Shadow Docket Show Failure to Recognize that Air Pollution Harms the American People
April 20, 2026 -
Health, Environmental Groups Ask EPA to Reconsider Flawed, Unlawful Decision to Repeal the Endangerment Finding
April 16, 2026 -
New EDF Maps Show Climate Change Is Raising Costs Nationwide, Federal Rollbacks Will Make It Worse
April 15, 2026 -
Clean Air Act under attack this week
April 15, 2026 -
Public Interest Groups Challenge Trump Administration’s Renewal of an Order to Keep Washington’s Last Coal Plant Operating
April 14, 2026